Pajiba: Reviews, Commentary, Angst

What’s grosser than gross? That seems to be the driving force behind most of the laughable direct-to-DVD horror films that plague Blockbuster. It’s a deluded effort to trump each other with the most vulgar, depraved shit they could possibly think of in their darkest hours when the pretty girls won’t even talk to them. Chaining her to a drainpipe and sandblasting off her boobies not good enough? Let’s fuck a wound! Not far enough? Does she even need to be alive? Let’s bone a corpse! Rock on, we’re rebels, let’s go get handjobs from suicide girls, yukka yukka yuk. Well, congratulations, sirs. The game is over. A Serbian Film has defeated you all by leaps and fucking bounds. There will never ever be a more vile and disturbing sequence of events than you will see in this film. It makes Human Centipede look like a “Charlie Brown Christmas Special.” It will fucking break you. In your darkest hours, in your sickest moments, you are like Ralph Wiggum to the minds behind this film. It takes any efforts to justify torture porn with flimsy psychological tripe and tears it like Edward Norton’s anus in American History X. This is it. This is the limit that a film can go. It will fucking break you. And the strangest part is … it’s brilliant. It takes torture porn to places it never, ever should go. It’s the ultimate torture porn — to the nth degree. It punts torture porn into Friday of next week. It eats Irish torture porn babies like cubesteak. And by pushing things that far, it completely and utterly eradicates the genre. Torture porn is dead, and A Serbian Film raped its corpse.

A retired porn star named Milos is convinced to take just one more gig, after he left the industry to be with his wife and son. The director, a man named Vukmir, admires both Milos’ canon and his cannon, if you know what I mean and I think you do. Vukmir wants to create the ultimate artistic pornography — pornography that will change the world. So he hires the down-and-out actor for a ridiculous amount of money to star in his avant-garde fuck-fest. Milos mustn’t know what’s going to happen in advance; he’s only to receive instructions through an earbud. From there, we watch as Milos wanders into his nightmare shoot, flanked by men who look like Slavic mercenaries but target him with digicams. Milos spirals down and down until he goes through the fucking looking glass and into a Memento memento mori. Waking up covered in blood three or four days later in his bed in an empty home, Milos searches frantically for answers. Milos replays the tiny digicam videotapes he finds strewn about which just become more horrific and unsettling, until he finally drops into a nadir that no one should ever have conceived.

Right up until the very last scene, I just kept asking myself why I was watching this. You feel disgusted about yourself. Most viewers will never make it up until the finale, because there are scenes too putrid to even mention. If it were simply pedophilia or sexual battery, it’d be easy to dismiss. Taboos are splattered against the walls in thick ropy streams. It’s beyond the pale. Understand that I don’t say this as some sort of dare or you-can’t-handle-this taunt. You cannot, nor should not, be able to handle this. I never advocate censorship, but there are scenes no film should ever depict, and this film goes beyond even those. While there is the most tenuous of justifications for why they go to where they go, they’ve gone too far. It’s kind of the point of the film — but it’s still incredibly too much. In 8MM, Nicolas Cage supposedly watched the most awful snuff film ever, squirming and overacting and moaning. When watching this, you will not squirm. You will simply stop breathing, and maybe start to cry.

And you will wonder why the hell you are still there watching this putrid collection of disgusting acts. But the final moment of the film, the absolute last scene of the film, is the key to the movie. Most people will never reach that point, and god bless them and keep them because they are truly the better people. But quite literally the last scene lets you realize what you’ve just witnessed was an elaborate Serbian version of The Aristocrats. There’s an old vaudeville joke that’s been passed down among comedians like a secret handshake. A family walks into a talent agent’s office and tells them that he just has to see their act, it’s phenomenal. They then begin to perform the most vile and disgusting combinations of deviant sexual acts on each other imaginable. When they finish, the agent says, “What the hell do you call that?” and the punchline goes, “It’s called The Aristocrats!” The punchline is that the teller is supposed to ad lib the sexual acts in the most vile and repugnant way possible: incest, fecophilia, beastiality, coprophilia, rape, sodomy, pedophilia, the raunchier the better. Because everyone already knows the punchline and setup, the adlib becomes the joke, where you’re supposed to shock the unholy hell out of your audience by spewing the most ghastly things your mind can imagine. And in A Serbian Film, after the family has dropped into the darkest pits of hell imaginable, there’s a sick hook that’s like someone mugging “It’s called The Aristocrats.”

It might have worked better if the film didn’t go as far as it does. Oddly, while it’s all repulsive, there are truly one or two scenes where it just goes into the realm of the unforgivable. But because it jumps so far beyond the line of what’s conceivable in those moments, it’s ineffectual. You’re so disgusted, you’ll never stick around for the punchline. It’d be like instead of saying the joke for “The Aristocrats,” you just demonstrate it. It’s seeing all these awful things on screen that break you, to the point where you just can’t appreciate it. And yet, I think without them, the movie wouldn’t have been as effective. They’re necessary evils, but also abominable ones. Going that far is the point of the film, and the point of Vukmir the filmmaker within the film. He wants to push society to its limits. But it’s too far. I get it, but I wish I didn’t get it.

Which is shame, because buried beneath all the sordid and explicit menagerie is an astounding tragic tale of a man doing whatever it takes to keep his family together. The relationship between Milos, his wife, and his son is a complex and fantastic one, endearing and touching, which adds to the disturbing pathos of the finale. The film is also an incredible commentary on the narcissism of the bourgeoisie artiste, the nature of sexuality, the role of violence in sexuality, the very definition of pornography. It’s what makes A Serbian Film more than just torture porn, even though at it’s very essence, the film is about a pornographer who brutally tortures his subjects. If you’re willing to root through the vile imagery associated with that, there’s a powerful and twisted film buried deep within. But you’re gonna get your hands awful fucking messy, and really, for most people, stomaching this just to get some decent pop psychology is not going to be worth the hefty price of admission.

You should not watch A Serbian Film. I won’t ever watch it again. I’m repulsed as much as I admire what writer/director Srđan Spasojević pulled off. It’s daring, intelligent, thought-provoking, destructive, repulsive, repugnant, putrid, awful, magnificently the worst film I’ve ever hated myself for appreciating. Most people shouldn’t watch a film that even mentions the words “newborn porn” (and God willing that two-word phrase broke your soul as much as typing it hurt mine), and I sincerely hope you stay away from this film. As much of an advocate of free speech and anti-censorship, I sincerely hope Blockbuster and Netflix refuse to carry this film. It’s the kind of movie that should be secretly passed around like the Anarchist’s Cookbook used to be before the advent of the internet. If you see it, you should have someone else to blame. But please do not let that person be me.

Holy Christ. Newborn rape? No thank you, but the review was excellent.

Posted by: Julie at August 26, 2010 1:19 PM

Whenever I hear mention of a movie I don't want to watch (Martyrs, The Collector, Human Centipede, etc) but am still intrigued by I go over to Wikipedia. They usually have a full spoiler laden synopsis. And that cures my curiosity.

In this case, I really will do better not knowing. Thanks anyway. But it's probably up there if you want to brave it.

That was an excellent review but now I really want to go and have a shower until all the dirty comes off. But it never ever does. Damn you for the temptation, Prisco!

Posted by: admin at August 26, 2010 1:43 PM

I was all ready to watch this until u typed the phrase "newborn porn".
Now I can't. I just can't.
I am too afraid. And disgusted.
A what u see can't be unseen type of thing.

Posted by: supafly at August 26, 2010 1:49 PM

This movie must be something else because everyone who's seen it and written about sounds they like they just came back from a trip to Hell.

This sounds like the movie that's described in the Masters of Horror episode Cigarette Burns.

Posted by: John W at August 26, 2010 1:50 PM

I don't have a weak stomach, and even reading about the hinting of what this film contains was plenty. It certainly is a very well-written review, Prisco, but somehow saying something like "Kudos!" doesn't seem to apply.

Sounds like a great double feature along with Dear Zachary that would be shortly followed by a self-served 12 gauge dinner.

Posted by: branded at August 26, 2010 1:54 PM

Just read the Wiki page and Christ Almighty that's some sick shit. I don't know how you could have sat through this Prisco. Why would anyone make a movie like this?

Posted by: Jadine at August 26, 2010 1:57 PM

I think this is a case for a spoiler. Could you tell us what the twist ending was? I normally do what Tyler does and look the movie up on Wikipedia, but could we just cut to the chase because the Wikipedia prospect scares me.

read the wiki summary, it just sounds downright retarded. who comes up with this crap

Posted by: Sinnh at August 26, 2010 2:00 PM

Oh my God, Prisco. Bless you for taking the bullet for us. We all collectively owe you a debt of gratitude, and enough booze to wash this out of your brain.

I used to be able to take a lot in movies...the original I Spit On Your Grave, the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scooby Doo....but my sensibilities have changed with age and wisdom. I will never, ever, EVER see this film.

Please, Prisco, go find the biggest bottle or your chosing to drown the memories; the lightest, happiest music you can hear; the happiest, sappiest film that will make you smile; and take the biggest, fluffiest, happiest looking stuffed animal you can find and hug the hell out of it.

I'd say one of the hallmarks of maturity is the ability to 'take someone's word for it' and not feel the need to experience every thing for oneself. Prisco, that was an amazing review and I'm certainly going to take your word for it. I might slap anyone who discusses wanting to see it too, just on general principle.

I think it's terrible, too, that our culture has strayed away from the kind of storytelling where ideas are no longer creatively referenced, because they don't NEED to be writ in excessive detail. These intense, specific, overly descriptive and emotionally and psychologically triggering types of visuals only go to show what the current creative industry thinks of its audiences ability to think independently.

Also, it's a control issue - they don't respect your right to take multiple meaning from their work any more - you get the exact thing they meant to say, and no mistake. It's the least creative material I can imagine.

Posted by: replica at August 26, 2010 2:17 PM

Soooo, this entire film is just a visual Aristocrats joke. I loved the review, but the Wiki summary makes me realize I don't want to ever see this.

Posted by: BWeaves at August 26, 2010 2:17 PM

Just the Wiki page is making me sick. If just the description is haunting my brain like this, I am SO sorry you endured this Prisco. Dustin owes you something huge.

This is a no shit not even funny statement. I have been watching splatter and gore since the 60s. I am a combat veteran who has seen their share of fucked up shit. This movie actually made me ill, it is a fucking blowtorch to the soul. I honestly truly wish I had never seen it.

Excuse me, I need to go cuddle my 5 year old and watch some spongebob.

Posted by: banana at August 26, 2010 2:24 PM

I'm normally a Wikipedia nut, but this is one thing I will never, ever look up. Ever.

I'm going to play Bioshock now.

Posted by: Aislinn at August 26, 2010 2:25 PM

Saw it, it was great. I recommend it only to people who have seen New French Extremity movies and handled them easily. Everyone else don't you dare.

Posted by: Zeke the Plumber at August 26, 2010 2:38 PM

Eep! I wikied it. I am good not ever seeing it.

Posted by: Nimue at August 26, 2010 2:38 PM

Holy Shit.
No strike that. HOLY FUCKING SHIT.
That wiki summary killed me inside. My boys are going think I've gone nuts when I hug them for 30 minutes straight when I get home. Seriously, you cannot "unsee" something. And that stuff there...well...that's just too much.
And on top of that, it didn't just "happen" and was caught on film on the weekend. Hundreds of people spent months designing, prepping and working to make that film. Scores of people where just off camera while that shit was filmed...you know...just waiting to wrap for lunch. People got PAID to do that.
The world is a horrible place.

Posted by: the sandwich at August 26, 2010 2:42 PM

This review was one long "I dare you to this movie, Motherf****r!"
I accept & will take on the challenge..,
Where can I buy this putrid & trashy DVD or Blu-Ray that you speak of?

Posted by: Sly D. at August 26, 2010 2:44 PM

So, you're saying I owe it to myself to see this film as a wink-nudge post-Hostel horror equivalent of The Aristocrats?

Anyway to get Dustin to watch it, too, so he might be a little less likely to call tame fare like The Collector the worst thing imaginable? It's good to know the limits of a genre so reactions are realistic. For example, I knew I had to see at least one of the Guinea Pig films (hated it) before I could truly assess how disturbing the 00's wave of J-Horror really was in context (not very). Perspective's a good thing.

Well, yeah. I mean, I understand why some of Pajiba's gentle readers are so bothered by The Human Centipede (usually because it involves poop). But HC is really a cartoon. It's goofy, almost. With poop. I haven't seen it, but rumor is the mad Doctor character totally hams it up. And is it really any worse than Frankenstein? Other than because there's poop involved?

But this, Serbian Film, that shit will get into your soul. Thank you, Prisco, for taking the bullet. And for saying, "There's value in this film. But don't see it."

Posted by: MM at August 26, 2010 2:54 PM

oops!
I made boo-boo!
This review was one long "I dare you to watch this movie "Motherf****r!"
I accept & will take on this challenge..,
Where can I buy this putrid DVD or Blu-Ray that you speak of?
I'm always looking for something that'll gross out my horror-movie addicted bro-in-law!!!

Posted by: Sly D. at August 26, 2010 2:55 PM

So basically this hopes to be is the world's longest and most repulsive shaggy dog story in cinematic history?

After reading the Wiki entry I can only think back to the movie "Hardcore" with George C. Scott in the climax with him sitting in the theater.

Brian, just from what I've read of it I cannot comprehend how you got through the screening. This sounds like the kind of production that would require grief counseling afterward.

Posted by: bleujayone at August 26, 2010 3:01 PM

....I think I'll just go look at puppies.

OK first I'll go to the wiki page, but I won't read it, I just want to skip to the end and find out what the big ending is. I am NOT reading any other descriptions. NO. And you cannot make me.

I just nearly hurled just from reading the Wiki page. there is NO WAY IN ANY HELL that I am going to watch this movie. Just none. Absolutely none.

Also, what figgers said.... is that an edit or the actual ending?!

Oh, Cute Overload, take me away!

Posted by: Anna von Beav at August 26, 2010 3:28 PM

The last paragraph broke me. I stopped eating lunch, threw the rest away, and now I'm just sitting here. Broke.

But.

I will watch this movie and tonight I'll start looking for it online. Why? I'm curious. That is the only reason. All that will be left of me is a shell of a geek.

Posted by: Zerath at August 26, 2010 3:40 PM

I cannot even... get close to comprehending how someone could imagine such things. It's like a game of one-up with people who have seen far too much. I scanned the Wiki entry and thoroughly disgusted myself.

Surely there are more subtle ways of satirising the power of one's leadership than this. I will never watch this, nor even pass the name of this on as a morbid curiousity to others. You can call me chicken all you want. I know I am no chicken - I merely choose to delude myself into thinking we can be more intelligent than this.

Posted by: Goldie at August 26, 2010 3:52 PM

I tried to resist reading the Wiki entry, but succumbed. However, I will have no trouble resisting any curiosity I may have about watching this movie.

What I will not resist is giving my son the longest hug ever and I will try not to cry while I'm doing it.

Posted by: Captain Tuttle at August 26, 2010 4:23 PM

I watched this a month or so ago...and it didn't shatter me. The real world did that long ago.I was greatly disturbed,but not as much as the news disturbs me much of the time.

But, I too thought of the Aristocrats while watching. Like the film makers were just trying to cram as much sick shit as possible.Trying to raise the bar so high, that it can't be matched. In that, congratulations to them. They did it.

Posted by: Sean at August 26, 2010 4:37 PM

There's an awful lot of rape in that Wiki summary. If I took a drink every time I read the word "rape"... actually, that's probably the only way to scrub it from my brain. Hand me the Jack.

You have to remember, Serbs committed ethnic cleansing, upon their friends and neighbours. They came to think of people who had previously been their cousins, guests at their weddings, kindergarten classmates as being less than animals. They slaughtered the Albanians in the most brutal, and I'm saying brutal, forget the movie, I mean the stuff right out of hell, ways possible.

And then, they all went back to their lives, pretending it never happened.

New people moved into the blood stained houses of those who were butchered and washed them clean as if they had just been left by bad tennants. Nobody talks about, that unpleasant time. Best not to think about it.

But it has changed people. Murder, rape, these things weren't crimes, they were the duties of good Serbian militia. And anyone who thought otherwise was a traitor to their race and country.

In the Wiki description, one of the makers says this is a satire of what the government made them do. And to an extent that is right. But I think there is also an additional parallel that perhaps he is not aware of.

The fact is that the Serbs who committed these acts, did it. Just as the actor agreed to do these things, so did they. There was pressure, coercion, sure. He and they were threatened, of course, but there was a choice made. That doing this thing or that thing, is better than the consequences. It is better that my victims suffer than I do.

It's like in Se7en, the guy with the knife strapped to his dick. All the people I watch that film with, say "poor guy, what could he do?"

I say, "fuck that guy!" If it were me, I know what it would be to live with that. I'd say, "shoot me, fuck you, you piece of shit, just fucking kill me!" Because if I didn't, if I did what he asked me to do, I'd just kill myself later anyway.

I guess it'd be a short film then, instead of a feature film, though, right?

I worry about the actors, particularly the child actors who are in this movie. How much do they see on the set, how much of the plot do they know? And when they want to see the film they were in, what will they feel? Was the "newborn" in this movie a real baby? Obviously not during the rape act (one would hope, even if simulated) but if a real baby is on the screen, or if there is woman really giving birth, would you want that to be how your child was brought into the world, for this film? And explaining what role you signed your infant son or daughter up for, will you ever tell them? How would you explain that you put them in a movie where they were raped after being born?

Perhaps this film should not have been made? Yeah?

Posted by: CroationSpaceStation at August 26, 2010 7:32 PM

I didn't think the Wikipedia summary of this film was as bad as de Sade's summary of the 120 Days of Sodom. But seeing it would be much worse than reading a summary. I've avoided SALO and I'll certainly avoid this.

Posted by: Pat C at August 26, 2010 7:40 PM

Great post CroationSpaceStation.

Posted by: Punxatawny Phil at August 26, 2010 7:42 PM

Though I should add, it wouldn't be the first war to plumb the depths of the human soul. Some of the shit being reported out of the Congo right now (or Rwanda, Iraq, Afghanistan, etc for that matter) is just flat-out fucked-up.

Posted by: Punxatawny Phil at August 26, 2010 7:48 PM

Can I ask why it was even reviewed? Because I gotta be honest, I'm actually concerned for Brian's emotional well-being after watching that whole thing. I read the Wiki and I don't feel well. And I'm not easily creeped out at all.

SO! This thread needs some things:

don't y'all love soap bubbles? They're so much fun! They're just floaty and light and fun and you can try to catch them and stuff!

I did the interview transcriptions for a journalist friend of mine of his trip to the Balkans to look into Kosovo's independence in spring of 2008. I heard first hand accounts of the Serbs ethnic cleansing. Middle class modern people getting loaded into railway cars. Serbia is a "Dark corner of Europe, an "Abominable blood logged plain."

"We reached the train station. There were about 15,000-20,000 people on the field by the station. The train was there. We had seen Schindler’s List. Everything comes into your mind, you know? Then we got into the train. Getting on the train was hell. It was a fight for survival. We had elderly, we had sick, we had kids. You don’t know if your sister is going to be left, if your father is going to make it. You don’t know what is going to happen."
Luan Berisha, interviewed in: http://www.michaeltotten.com/archives/2008/07/an-abominable-b.php

I heard ALL of that interview, from the recording. What is published is from my transcription.
"We had seen Schindler's List..." That stopped me cold.
The rest of that interview is all on that link.

Posted by: Lindsey with an 'e' at August 26, 2010 8:03 PM

This movie gave me a headache. I think it was from my constant shouting at the TV. The Aristocrats thing popped into my head as well. But what was worse, was ICP parodies popping in at the most inopportune times. The phrase "Fuckin' newborns, how does that work?" somehow got in there & made me laugh my ass off. Somebody will probably think I need shot for this, & I'm not fully disagreeing.

Posted by: Neonlexicon at August 26, 2010 9:54 PM

Can I ask why it was even reviewed?

Posted by: Snuggiepants at August 26, 2010 7:56 PM

That's what I wondered too. Some thank Brian for "taking a bullet", but how likely is it that any Pajiba reader would have seen this anyway? I'm positive the majority of the people I've gotten to know here would have avoided this like the plague. Let's spare the staff and get reviews of bad movies we're likely to see. (In fairness, that's normally the exactly M.O. of this site.)

All that being said, good review, Prisco.

Posted by: Uriah Creep at August 26, 2010 10:38 PM

I was dared to see it and like an idiot I thought, "Sure, how bad can it be?" Note, this was before its first official showing in North America so there was no wikipage, no buzz, nothing.

I was in Sarajavo in 1993 with NATO forces, and some of the things I saw echoed right off the screen at me.

It is a fantastically made film, that I seriously recommend no one see.

Posted by: Adam C at August 26, 2010 11:49 PM

Did it need to be made? Probably not, but then there are few films that actually need to be made, so the salient point is "do I need to see it". I am grateful for Brian's "sacrifice", as at least I can reference someone who's views I trust when the subject of this film comes up- and like it or not, it will come up. Anything that exists as far out on the fringe as Serbian film is at least a cinematic artifact of note, even if that note is "torture porn taken to it's logical conclusion".

The thought that horrifies me most is not that these concepts came from someone's imagination, but that some or all of them may be somehow inspired by reality. As others have noted, given the recent history of the Balkans, that's not out of the question.

I read the wiki entry. I really can't fathom how anyone can come up with this shit.

As for the film-maker's justification about reflecting the way in which the Serbs are treated by their goverment: I'm sorry, but that's bollocks. With this guy's obviously insanely creative imagination, he couldn't have come up with something more subtle than rape rape rape rape? Yes, the country was raped by the govt, in more ways than one. But the only thing most people who see or hear about this film will remember is the horror of the situations being depicted (like the newborn thing), not the film's allegorical meaning.

Posted by: Big Moo at August 27, 2010 9:01 AM

Punxatawny Phil, your hope for Eli Roth to give up is in vain. There's an interview on the GQ website where he talks about this film as well as The Human Centipede. He pretty much says that A Serbian Film becomes less and less effective the more gore you see, and that he found The Human Centipede to be more disturbing because of the defecation scene.

Posted by: Uda at August 27, 2010 9:13 AM

newborn porn

I'm listening...

Posted by: Roman Polanski at August 27, 2010 9:33 AM

Is that Roman Polans---

THERE HE IS!!! GET HIM!!!

Posted by: Kballs at August 27, 2010 9:45 AM

Why? Just why?

Posted by: Wai at August 27, 2010 9:46 AM

DO NOT WANT. EVER.
Seriously, I've always loved horror films, and the truly good ones are almost always an allegory of the real atrocities governments inflict upon their people (and people inflict upon each other) but if you wanted to point out the depravity of Serbian Ethnic cleansing, wouldn't it be more poignant to make a documentary featuring people who lived through it? All this "rape" and "porn" bullshit in the movie is just sensationalism to make money, which, in my mind (you are certainly free to disagree) cheapens and almost mocks the real horrific events that occurred. It's like saying "yeah, you did these horrible things, you dreamed them up, but you forgot to film it and make money off of it! SUCKAS!"

Posted by: ninetwenteetoo at August 27, 2010 9:48 AM

The Aristocrats analogy is a good one, and also why I think stuff like this isn’t breaking anyone’s soul or heart or whatever clichéd sentiment. The point is to think up the worst possible stuff. That’s what comedians do with the Aristocrats joke. This just does that in a different context and with a different intent and medium and gets obviously different results. Rich at fourfour wrote a good review of this movie awhile back. He called the movie lazy. I thought it was a pretty good point. You can read the description of the movie and be shocked but you can just as easily read it and see it as ridiculous, a hack exercise of trying to be as extreme as possible. If someone challenged you to come up with some really heinous stuff, I bet you could. Most of us don’t want to and most of us don’t want to make or watch movies about stuff like that.

Posted by: Harry Coverts at August 27, 2010 10:20 AM

Uda bummer, it was a forlorn hope. I guess maybe we can strike copraphilia from his list of future projects? I'm looking for a silver lining here...

Sounds awful. Congratulations for sitting through it, but I kind of wonder why you bothered.

I'd also like to think, in spite of my libertarian bent, that somewhere there is a database of people who have rented this movie more than once.

Posted by: jvon at August 27, 2010 4:55 PM

I have to echo the "why review it?" sentiments.

You don't review a film and not expect someone to read it and want to see it for themselves. Especially when you lace the review with discussions of how bad it is without getting into the details. That just makes the reader curious as to what all the fuss is about thus perpetuating the cycle.

I'd rather read a review about a book detailing the atrocities of the Serbs, or even the Japanese during the rape of Nanking (which make a movie like this pale in comparison...) at least then you are providing some sort of insight into history and human nature.

This? This does nothing but inspire people to push the envelope even further. You all can complain about this setting the bar, but at the same time notice that history itself has set the bar.

The bar can always go up, and providing legitimacy to films like these with reviews increases those odds.

Posted by: Some Guy at August 27, 2010 5:05 PM

As with Human Centipede, my guess is that you've (Pajiba) made far more people aware of the filth than otherwise would ever have known. In your own way, you've set up a pique in interest with the but not fors and if onlys.

I mean, I come here...a lot...and it surprises me that you would seek out such a film and that, worse, you would seek to share the experience.

Don't you think that there are some things better left unsaid, and unshared?

After all, what's that old saying about spelling the name right?

I apologize, because I will admit that I did not read the full review...there was no need...the picture has been painted.

It's like the Dateline type of shows which seek to "protect" the victim of pedophilia by not showing the pornographic photos of the little girl, only the outline or shadow of her instead. The viewer is left with the image of that child having been forced into those poses, and it's disgusting.

You folks here, IMHO, offer the best and most interesting reviews around and I'm disappointed.

I'll be back but, today, and it may not matter one iota to anyone, I need to divert my eyes.

Posted by: jmflynny at August 27, 2010 8:27 PM

I must say that I have seen Serbian Film, and it can be found on the internet (for those who are truely, may I repeat TRUELY drawn to see it). In fact, I own it (as well as Human Centipede). Of all Serbian Film reviews I have read through, this is my favorite. I am a huge horror film enthusiast/viewer...although it is viciously scarring, I TRY to appreciate the "art" behind it. The message, etc. There is true beauty in the message, behind the countless brutality. Bravo, your word choices were quite eloquently laid out...and I can appreciate the message you are sending. Don't blame me if you've seen it...but really: just see it. Try

Perhaps Pajiba should just review fluffy, family-friendly films that give you a good stiffy. Kindly lock your eyes and brains away and join the rest of the sheep back on EW or Ain't It Cool News.

This film was made, hence a review of it. Many films that we find reprehensible, such as Howard the Duck and The Blind Side, get made every year and requires reviews to warn people away from them. Comparatively speaking, The Serbian Film is not that much worse than Ichii the Killer, Audition, or Meatball Machine. There's no doubt Serbian Film is a disturbing, violent film that should make most decent people sick to their stomachs while watching. That doesn't mean a review of it shouldn't exist so people can be informed.

If you don't like information, don't read the reviews. If you don't want to know certain movies exist on the fringe, don't go to sites like Pajiba. Stick to your lame, vanilla, mainstream websites and kindly leave the rest of us the fuck alone.

Thus endeth the lesson.

Posted by: bignick at August 28, 2010 4:54 PM

How's this for vanilla?

Screw you.

I don't need a fucking "lesson" from you.

Posted by: jmflynny at August 28, 2010 9:22 PM

after reading the wiki synopsis of Serbian Film, all I could think was "oh. Been there; read the book, saw the movie, had the nightmares, etc." If I ever feel the need to reinforce the message behind the likes of Serbian Film, will just recall the experience of viewing Pasolini's Salo. At least with the latter you'll probably spend more time thinking about the point of the movie than castigating yourself for watching.

Posted by: maidenaunt at August 29, 2010 1:22 AM

I'm not gonna get into a flame war with you jmyflynny. I've said my piece and I'll leave it at that.

Posted by: bignick at August 29, 2010 1:47 AM

bignick,

Blah blah blah blah blah.

There are literally thousands of films made worldwide by thousands of different actors and directors and producers and writers.

Telling me that Pajiba, or any site, has to review a specific film just because it was made is pure bullshit. Especially when the only reason you are watching it is because said writer/director has to made it as fucked up as possible just to get your attention. It's cheap.

8mm was brought up at one point, and how this movie clearly trumps whatever it is Nick Cage watches.

But does it? What happens when someone produces a film with legitimate rape or legitimate murder? All in the name of art?
Because it is art, isn't it? And perhaps someone should watch it, but why should they promote it by reviewing it?

All I'm saying is that movies like this do nothing but lead to more drastic examples, of which will possibly be actual murder. And don't say that's not possible, because we all know how fucked up people really are. Art and film doesn't even come close to mimicking what real life conjures up.

Would you watch and provide legitimacy to a film involving real and purposeful deaths in the name of art?

Posted by: Some Guy at August 29, 2010 12:26 PM

And if the lesson for the day was that you're a condescending douche, then great job, teach'.

Posted by: Some Guy at August 29, 2010 7:42 PM

"I'm not gonna get into a flame war with you jmyflynny. I've said my piece and I'll leave it at that."

You started it, you obnoxious ahole!

"Stick to your lame, vanilla, mainstream websites and kindly leave the rest of us the fuck alone."

Nothing aggressive or insulting there. Tool.

Posted by: CranAppleSnapple at August 30, 2010 12:14 AM

Fuck that, I actually liked this movie.

Posted by: rachel at August 30, 2010 2:00 AM

I'm always amazed when people who have legitimate horror and violence in their history come up with this kind of nonsense. I can understand some 30-something American douchebag who has experienced nothing more stressful than college applications and a pregnancy scare coming up with this, but you'd think people who'd actually been involved in ethnic cleansing would have bigger fish to fry than this foolishness.

Yes, I get the allegory. Yes, I get "the point" of this movie. Yes I get the point that we are all perhaps capable of being or feeling coerced into questionable (understatement) actions.
And this is perhaps better talked about than seen, and that discussion can lead to a higher ground. And there is also a big difference between understanding, talking, and discussing this movie, and actually making it.
And yet, having lived through these atrocities, how does one talk about them? Or make a story about them? The "joke" of the movie seems to me that it is no joke. It removes the "humor" from "the Aristocrats" punchline. If you have experienced these very things, how do you purge them? What do you do when noone wants to know your story?LindsEy, the link you provided was fascinating and illuminating, and the quote at the end of it summed it up for me: "When you fight for your own house, your own family, believe me, you don’t see in black and white. You see only black. There is no gray or white. Only black.”

Posted by: Odnon. at August 30, 2010 1:59 PM

I haven't seen this film, but I probably will. After reading this review and your comments I can't help but wonder if the film makers' intent was to ask the question "where were you when the real atrocities were happening?" This is just a movie after all. More people in the US will be upset about its content than actual ethnic cleansing.

Posted by: marney at August 31, 2010 2:56 AM

I was already numb by the time the newborn pron was shown. More than shocked, I genuinely felt sadness and despair. Good thing they got a credible actor to play Milos. Also, all women in Serbia are good-looking.
CroationSpace, the baby was obviously fake.

Posted by: Adrien at August 31, 2010 7:14 AM

"All I'm saying is that movies like this do nothing but lead to more drastic examples, of which will possibly be actual murder. And don't say that's not possible, because we all know how fucked up people really are. Art and film doesn't even come close to mimicking what real life conjures up."

Sure it's possible. And it's possible that comics and videogames lead to Columbine style shootings. Of course before we get in a tizzy about these terrible possibilities we should probably look for some evidence, because otherwise we're no better than the Moral Majority.

Posted by: Ender at August 31, 2010 11:19 AM

Okay, I just watched it. I have never been a fan of the torture porn genre and the films I´ve seen, like hostel, didn´t have a huge impact on me emotionally. And although i feared otherwise, I´m glad to say the same is true for A Serbian Film.

It may be important to note that I went into watching it having read the entire synopsis and a number of reviews about it, so I wasn´t caught off guard by anything. I also was determined not to get emotionally invested in any way from the start, which didn´t pose a big problem. It never has, for me, with this kind of movie, as the filmmaker´s intentions are just too obvious all the time.

I now know that my imagination made reading about the scenes in this movie much worse than watching them. The infamous newborn scene was truly sickening to think of, but when watching it, it really felt more stupid than frightening and it actually was the the scene for me that ultimately catapulted the film it into the realm of the ridiculous. No question, the film is in sensationally bad taste but, like Brian wrote, at some point it really resembles a version of the aristocrats more than anything. And in my opinion it really works quite well as a kind of hardcore satire in the context of Serbia´s recent history.

I still don´t recommend seeing it if you have a weak stomach or a tendency to get emotionally invested in films even if you don´t want to. But maybe some people who are saddened or disturbed by reading about A Serbian Film will take a little comfort in reading that it´s actually more ridiculous and less traumatizing in real life than in their imagination.

Posted by: The Mudshark at August 31, 2010 8:36 PM

That review seriously messed with my head. Never watching it. No no no no no.

1 hour into this, don't know if I can watch to the end as the action has certainly picked up.

Posted by: Stacey at September 28, 2010 3:47 PM

Hollywood has made a full serial of cheep, stupid and unimaginative projects that are trying to draw our attention by the amount of twisted brutality and sodomy served as their creators don't possess any other film abilities and these projects are sadly called movies. In this movie we may say that Serbia has answered and answered with vigor! Competing in stupidity, I guess that this film has beaten the most stupid Hollywood movies of that kind. I apologize to all sexually twisted minds, but do you think that just filming the rape scenes, war crimes live or some deviant sexual behavior would result in a great movie? Above all, acting and professional approach in this movie is below zero. I must admit I always avoid posting a bad comment on any movie made in Serbia. Being a Serb myself I know how difficult is to make a movie in a country which population is smaller than one of Los Angeles and where economy is much below, so I truly believe that any film made in Serbia is a true success. The problem I got with this film is that all the capacities that this movie had at its disposal went into the sewer of immature personal ambitions of its creator who apparently has a world film insight of a retarded kid. Due to that kind of perception he launched this ingenious gem to compete. Instead of cheep copying of some world creators at their best and worst, adding the flavor of European sodo-movies of the lowest art level, this director could have focused on film values: composition, careful plot development and acting as he exploited worst from the pretty solid crew. Shame for the country of shiny gems of European Cinema and its bright stars as Dusan Kovacevic and Slobodan Sijan. It is a disgrace that this film uses the name of a great country as a prefix to its personal failure.

Posted by: Serbian Comment at September 29, 2010 7:49 PM

Your review is exceptional. Better than the film itself, in fact. I have bookmarked your page and will certainly come back. Very well done.

Hey! Good review. It is true the movie sets the bar for sexual violence and other related taboos, but it also makes some important points about the nature of power.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely whether it leads to psycho-sexual film making, or genocidal policies. When you're in power why ask if you should do something? If it is possible, and it fits your disposition as the one in control (with the money, power, and means), why not try it out?
There's also a point about how amoral lunatics in power can still be organized and intelligent enough to fulfill their sickest fantasies and rationalize it as necessary for the greater good, or for some abstract philosophical goal that will 'enrich' humanity in some way. That's my take anyway.
It is hard to think straight after seeing that movie. It makes the mind reel for sure, and is probably amongst the sickest films I've ever seen. The fact that it has some meaning makes it even more disturbing because you can't just write it off as complete garbage. But then again maybe you can.

So I watched the film with a couple of my friends, and I have a few things to say.

First off; nicely written review Prisco, but at the same time, it's definately the most exaggerated review I've ever read.

Yes, the movie is gross, disgusting and far out, but seriously, compared to alot of other movies "out there", it's basically just another horror movie trying to scare the living shit out of it's audiance. The thing that DOES make it a stand-out horror film, is that it touches upon alot of taboo subjects, that most people rarely talk about. But the thing is, that this film is just too hilariously far out, for the sake of just being far out, for me to take it seriously. Take for instance Gasper Noe's "Irréversible"; the storyline and the build makes up for a FAR more gruesome film. Far too many things about "A Serbian Film" is just too stupid and funny, which in the long run makes it difficult to really take it serious.

Actually, I understand why people who read the plot summary on wiki stays away from the film, because they make it sound much more disgusting than it actually is. Wiki forgets to mention that the film has its good share of hilarious dialogue bits and plain weird sequences, that WILL make you laugh, like when the director Vukmir shakes Milos hand for an eternity, because "he can't let go of such a precious hand, that has jerked off such a legendary 'you-know' so many times'. Am I not supposed to laugh at that?...

Admitetly, there IS extreme sex, gore and violence in this film that we see in close up, but come on, how many times have we seen someone get their head chopped off? I guess by now alot of you have read the plot summary and therefore is aware of the "baby scene"; but again, wiki never mentions that the doll they use as a baby is so fake looking, that the scene is just stupid. And no, you never get to see the....umm... intercourse at all. The though about that sequance is FAR more frightening than the sequence itself.

I agree that the final "happy family" scene is amongst the most horrific shit ever made on film. You will cringe, you will feel sick and you will want to leave the room or turn off the film. But in a film where so many other scenes is just random, standart, midiocre gore, it's just not enough to do serious mental damage.
I sat with my friends and watched it, drank a couple of beers and went out partying afterwards, like we do after seing any other film. Nothing more to it.

Then again, I've seen my fair amount of shit on the internet, and maybe this has made my stomach stronger. I don't know, all I know is, that this film was kind of a diasppointment for me, as I was actually hoping to be challenged. It failed...

Posted by: Jeppe at October 9, 2010 11:22 AM

This film sounds interesting, and I wonder how it compares to other horror videos--the straight to DVD's and Saw Movies...certainly i have been desensitized enough..I would dare and watch it.

Posted by: Felipe at October 14, 2010 3:47 PM

Well, to sum it up: As with caring about your body and not eating shit and poison and stuff, the same holds for our minds. I am not going to get that shit into my mind - as it will be there and work and destroy.

As a society, we produce that: Remember ancient Rome...?

Posted by: EL at October 15, 2010 6:08 PM

this is THE SICKEST movie of a LIFETIME!!!!!

shocking and repulsive don't even come close, NOTHING will prepare u for the sheer horror of it all.... a snuff film pretending to be a snuff film.. how will they ever out do this seems impossible.

Posted by: Warren Cantero at October 16, 2010 2:25 AM

I red a first few comments and then i stopped, have any of you people ever heard the word ''genre'', to me this is a horror film, of course it's gonna be gross and full of horrible scenes, and if you don't like that kind a stuff you will be scared of watching this even without the scenes in question. There are many sick violence films out there, one of them had to be NO 1, this one is, that is all there is to it.

I saw the film 2 times, at first it was hard to process violence and shock, but when you pass that this film is really good, the way it was shot is awsome, story is original, and trust me, it is a ride to hell that you wont forget in some time (isn't that what a good film does? )

i will close with this, the scariest thing about this film is that the people it shows REALLY DO EXIST somewhere out there

Posted by: Rancid at October 16, 2010 1:20 PM

A SERBIAN FILM is a fantastic horror film. I do think shooting on video took away from the experience since the movie lacked the grainy film quality that would have enhanced its gritty nature. As for the ultracore imagery, some of it while shocking was also intensely arousing in an extremely taboo way. The shock moments have tremendous impact, but overall I am left with the sense that film still has a ways to go before going beyond the limit of horror. The review is very entertaining, but I would not go over the edge and call the film soul breaking.

Posted by: Ben Grim at October 17, 2010 11:23 AM

By far, the best review ever!!!!!
I'm afraid of seeing it now...
The most intelligent recollection of contradictory adjetives in the same idea.
Great!

Well, I am not ashamed to say that I really enjoyed watching this film, and I definitely recommend it. Personally, none of those scenes in the film have shocked me, not even a little bit, but than again, I've been into this kinda of stuff for years (in a purely intellectual, utterly healthy way, blah, blah, blah), so I'm used to it or something. Anyway, the film is great. Brilliant ideas, brilliant acting, brilliant music...A feast for all senses.So far, the brightest spot in our shady cinematography (I'm from Serbia, o lucky me!). Oh, and since you mentioned NEWBORN PORN, I have to say I laughed my ass off when Vukmir said that. It's a masterpiece of black humor. The very baby scene is, however, nothing special and ain't the least bit shocking, or disgusting,or disturbing, or whatever other word you silly, squeamish people tend to use.:-) Udri tata, cepaj tata, čika Vukmir snima!!!

Posted by: Lace Princess at October 22, 2010 10:16 AM

Actually, I watched this film the other night, thats why I looked up reviews.

You are correct.

It is by far the most repulsive, disgusting, and mentally fucked piece of film out there. The most wicked thing that has ever been captured on camera, without a shadow of a doubt.
However, you have to admire the bravery and audacity of the writer and director.

I am scared forever though. I don't think I can ever have sex again.

Posted by: Jessy at October 26, 2010 9:58 PM

This movie is just vile, foul, and wrong...
I watched Salo, Irresversible, Antichrist, and even Baise Moi, and not one of those made me as disgusted as the mere plot summary of THIS.
This borders on Uziga Waita's Modern Histories of the Bizarre or Mai-chan's Daily Life in movie form.

I don't care what the scriptwriter says. You can't get the meaning behind the giant wall of RAPE, Gore and pedophilia in this.

I don't want this movie to be banned, because it is stupid to do that. However I could not stand the trailer, I am sorry but I prefer to live in ignorance. I cannot take that this might happen in reality.

I won't judge you if you watch it, but I pass.
If it shocks you, if it makes you have nightmares, you are normal. If you enjoy it, literally, not because it is done well, really enjoy it, well, then I don't want to be in the same room than you, because you are sick men.

Good review by the way.

Posted by: Manoo at November 5, 2010 5:57 PM

You nerdy artsy types are a big problem to society .

Would it shock you to know that this movie has nothing to do with art ?

This is basically a politically motivated piece of trash . The director is well known , and has clearly stated himself , that he hates the Serbian government . There is a bad state of affairs in Serbia , with a rise in crime , satanic cults , serial killers , pedophiles and the director is railing against that here . His intent is only to shock . The title of the movie says it all ; he wants to be clear that the movie is from Serbia , to embarrass the Serbian people into action to overthrow the pro-western system they are being forced into .

But this is just the most vile , disgusting garbage I have ever heard of . I haven't watched it but I have seen the reviews and I never will watch it . You have no conscience if you are going to give money to these kind of movies . You like getting disturbed in the head ? You have a problem then . Get a life .

Posted by: sask at November 6, 2010 1:22 PM

Just watched it and...

I'm really serious: DO NOT WATCH IT! You will live better....
Anybody need to watch it.
Anybody have to watch it.

Are you curious? Well, You have everything you need in these posts...

As filmmaker I cannot call it "movie".

It's just a shame to think that someone can shoot a "thing" like that.

Posted by: Stefano milla at November 7, 2010 9:16 AM

This is actually one of several far better articles or blog posts with those who I have please read on that theme of late. Wonderful work.

C'mon, it's just a movie... Made to embarrass Serbia, perfectly filmed, with a empty story and just plain, free violence.

But it is a movie, not real life, and if you guys are "shocked" and losing sleep after watching it, you're just a bunch of fags.

Posted by: MIlos at November 12, 2010 11:26 AM

Hey Milos , you probably are not capable of knowing it , but your sick in the head if you can watch these kinds of movies . It is not our problem that you have watched everything under the sun and can "handle" it . Unfortunately my friend , it is YOU that has the problem not us . We are just normal with normal functioning brains that haven't been numbed by years of watching garbage 24/7 .

Posted by: sask at November 12, 2010 2:05 PM

Didn't know much about this movie before I watched it...and now I regret it! One of the most disturbing films I've ever seen. They did a great job making everything realistic, but have traumatized me (and I'm sure tons of other people) in the process.

This is one movie I would NOT recommend watching. Excellent acting and storyline, but will scar you for life.

But I'm sure many of you will ignore that warning. Curiosity is a bitch.

Posted by: ooo at November 13, 2010 7:53 AM

JPalto is gonna watch it. You can't tell no to me. Your review is mostly whining/begging us not to watch it. I've been to war, I've expierence beheadings and torture IRL (not just the interwebz). I think I can handle this, I have a very creative mind to say the least.

If you want further proof then just visit my goddamn YouTube User Page. I will watch this bitch, no matter what the fuck you saying.

Alright, let me put this out there... im 14 and i almost watched this movie without flinching. Sure it was disgusting beyond anything previously conceived. But honestly i dont feel like it affected me as much as some of the other viewers. reading these comments and noticing my lack of reaction to this makes me question my sanity.

Posted by: Justin at November 20, 2010 1:21 AM

Awesome awesome movie.
While it does push the boundaries it is actually a really well made movie with a great plot.
It isnt lik August Underground and the likes this is a really good movie about what depths all people may sink too when pushed too far.

Don't be scared, watch it you will not regret it

Posted by: carnthead at November 21, 2010 9:27 PM

I saw it. It broke me. I'll never be the same.

Posted by: Sam at November 21, 2010 10:13 PM

Pussies.

Posted by: MEvsEVERYBODY at November 23, 2010 5:02 AM

I must see this movie.

I also need fresh batteries.

Posted by: sara at November 24, 2010 8:39 AM

OMG I just read the wikipedia description of the movie. If you watched this movie it would definitely be unforgettable. You couldn't unsee it. It would be trapped in your head. Horrid.

Posted by: Raphael at November 24, 2010 10:43 PM

Though for some unkown reason I'm still tempted to watch it. UGH!!No no no I wont I'll regret it.

Posted by: Raphael at November 24, 2010 10:45 PM

Okay..I found that this movie happens to be on a website where I watch movies so best believe that if I watch this...I'm definitely watching a G-rated movie after wards haha

Posted by: Raphael at November 24, 2010 10:59 PM

I watched practically all of "A Serbian Film" (till after he viewed the tapes)but didn't feel like watching the rest. All of the horrid things happened after the middle of the movie and yes it was gruesome, repulsive. I stopped the movie after all the horrible things occurred cuz I thought to myself what's the point. The nights almost over and I'd like to end it with a "light hearted" movie lol.Maybe I'll watch "Easy A". I'm no traumatized by the movie cuz I've viewed a lot of things that actually have happened in history (including events in slavery)rape, torture etc. so it wasn't too new to me however I don't usually like to watch movies like this cuz I have a strong imagination and images stay in my head ie. daydreaming. I'd only recommend this film to people obsessed with graphic-torture horror movies cuz anyone else would not appreciate it at all. As for me...I wouldn't ever watch a movie like this cuz it's not something I'd like to have on my mind. These above comments just made me so curious though haha.

Posted by: Raphael at November 25, 2010 12:35 AM

Movie is excellent, nothing too shocking there...
I think the idea of filmmakers was like- you are portraying Serbs as genocidal rapist maniacs, well.. lets just give it to you since you want to see that.

Posted by: dan at November 28, 2010 2:19 AM

I also worry about the young girl in the movie. She had to act seductively in one of the scenes. She's just about old enough to understand what goes on. As for the alleged symbolism, what a bunch of crap. This is a new director who wanted to make maximum impact. There are enough to show he can make a brilliant movie. Maybe he should go to prison and spend some time with real baby rapists, first.

Posted by: darkwing at November 29, 2010 12:54 PM

I saw the trailer for A Serbian Film by chance online just yesterday and I've been trying to read as much as I can about the film since then. From my reading, I don't think I've seen any references to the use of guns in the film. Seems these heinous acts are performed with a machete, some kind of implement to extract teeth, turgid penises, cameras, and the limitless dark recesses of the human imagination (probably the most lethal weapon of all). But no guns. These beatings, rapes, and killings are carried out up close and personal without the cool detachment and distance that firearms provide. Just an observation.

Posted by: Anon at December 12, 2010 11:34 PM

This was the best review of this movie I have read so far.
I have seen this movie. It did not break me. The "Newborn Porn" scene was almost comical. As I watched this movie I wondered how a film full of some of the most vile ideas could have been filmed so beautifully. Being a person that is able to separate fantasy from reality, I found that the rape scene in "Irreversible" was much harder to sit through than anything in this film.

If you value your peace of mind. Don't watch it. Its not worth it. Sick depraved. Think of the most disgusting thing you can imagine about death children women accidents or killing etc and imaging someone getting pleasure from having sex with it. That just goes 5 per cent of the way in terms of disgust you will feel if you watch it.

Posted by: Chris Gardiner at December 15, 2010 12:19 PM

I watched the streaming version online at www.indiemoviesonline.com (link is www.indiemoviesonline.com/cinema/movies/1/a-serbian-film )For UK users.

I saw the SD version, which played well, similar to DVD quality. Cost £3.99.

The first thing that grabbed me is the look of the films. Its very well shot, and graded. The camera work and styling are very strong. The acting is surprisingly good.

The film doesn't disappoint on the brutality scale. It IS very hard viewing. Some scenes will stay with me for a long time whether I want them to or not.

However what I probably didn't expect was to be drawn in by the thriller elements of the story. It gets very tense.

Having read up on the background to the film, and the directors comments about the molestation of Serbians by the government I suppose it does ask the old question - are some things unrepresentable in cinema?

In todays cinema, we are used to the extreme, so for something to actually stand out, it has to go to new levels. Which A Serbian Film does do, by far. It does create sequences that really make the gut churn, which can be interpreted as recreating that feeling of disgust as experienced by those who lived under the former Serbian regime.

It will be a film that sits with me for a long time. It has done something so much more than just provide 90 mins of entertainment which is the goal of so many of todays films.

Would I recommend it?

Yes, it is one film that has to be seen to be believed. Its not for everyone. It is not really for anyone per se. It is VERY graphic. But if someone has gotten this far and read this comment, then they know that already.

I have seen the film and There are many scenes that I find disturbing, but I find the director puts us in this situation to make us the viewer look at what we consider acceptable in our every day lives I don't wish to spoil the film for you so I wont go into it watch the film and judge for your self the subject matter is very disturbing but then so is the real world.

Posted by: shadowpark at December 16, 2010 3:51 PM

The night I heard about the human centipede my stomach went bam and I became curious to see it but after reading stuff and seeing the trailer I was fine but still cringe at the idea of the movie.
I dislike watching horror movies I prefer to read them not see em for the plots.
My friend told me there was a sicker movie that he hasn't watched but has heard about and said don't watch it and that was this one and so I got curious and did my reading including this and it sounds really disturbing so far but I'm still curious but not planning to watch it cuz I'm too lazy to watch the movie on the Internet anyways.

Posted by: Cutedonkie at December 19, 2010 11:28 PM

I saw it. Its...I didn't expect much less and I barely read any reviews. In many ways it is definitely a political allegory, and one that should never be ignored, but its also fucked up beyond that. Its with extreme hesitation that I say this, but I think it exposes the latent insanity that is pervasive in the region. Its an allegory, but its more than that. The fact that it is meaninglessly disgusting, newborn porn, raping of the dead etc that's all a parallel to something very real as well. This is NOT Serbian culture it is not a critique on anything that ever happened or ever will happen, but something like this could only come from a very few very specific places in the world. Its also as someone else mentioned kind of a giant "f**k you" to the rest of the world because on top of all the shit that already goes down in the Balkans the Western World kind picked Serbs as a scape-goat which has transcended into an ethnic stereotype that is not okay, but its constantly justified.

Posted by: CCCCut!!! at December 23, 2010 6:36 PM

I could have lived my entire life without seeing this....

I am....speechless. Disturbed.

Posted by: Someone at December 24, 2010 11:32 PM

I know I'm in the minority here, but I loved it. I'm an avid watcher of horror and, what has has become known as, torture porn. For the first time in years, my breath was taken away and I was speechless. I watched it again and can't wait to own it. That being said, many of the scenes are laughably unrealistic.

Posted by: Kris at December 25, 2010 8:25 PM

I have watched and downloaded it.I freaking loved it.The message and how its shown,is outstanding.ANd the music is great too!

Posted by: Marisa at December 30, 2010 2:46 AM

I read the plot description on Wikipedia and all I can say is at least it has made the Human Centipede seem tame in comparison. A palate cleanser, one could say. I haven't seen any of these movies, or anything remotely torture-porn-y, because reading the descriptions of them has been enough to keep me awake at night.

Posted by: Jen at January 4, 2011 8:18 PM

i came to this movie without looking ANYTHING about it up..

all i knew was that a friend of mine thought it was the sickest thing he'd seen, and i was convinced nothing could be sicker than gummo..

and i gotta say... whereas gummo is more disturbing to me, like huffing butane whilst on the 9th day of a meth binge, a serbian is fucking straight demented... but an amazing movie none the less.. fuck american porn, who where these gorgeous woemen?

am i a bad person for maintaining an erection throughout most of this movie?

and laughing hysterically through the scene with the bald naked man in the sunglasses? (attempting to avoid spoilers)

Posted by: callmedirtydan at January 5, 2011 6:28 PM

Brilliant movie, just finished it, and its the sickest thing ever, haha

my goodness, how many comments...
very good review.
great film. i just saw it and thought it was over the top hilarious.
yes it was also kind of vile and nasty. and?
just like life. especially in countries like Serbia.
hence the title.

Posted by: Zev.A. at January 12, 2011 10:13 PM

I just watched this film last night and I agree with you review 100%.

Posted by: bwfilm at January 13, 2011 4:02 PM

@ CroatianSpaceStation:
I wonder if you wake up each morning in the hope of finding an anonymous internet comments section on which to express your politically-bigoted and racially-motivated propaganda against Serbs. I really do.

I mean, what else could explain the need to open a comment on a film review forum with:
"You have to remember, Serbs committed ethnic cleansing, upon their friends and neighbours. They came to think of people who had previously been their cousins, guests at their weddings, kindergarten classmates as being less than animals. They slaughtered the Albanians in the most brutal, and I'm saying brutal, forget the movie, I mean the stuff right out of hell, ways possible."

Also, as you've made it quite clear that you are Croatian, and in the interest of fairness, I wonder equally whether you see the biting irony inherent whenever a Croatian bemoans ethnic cleansing. After all, was it not Croatians who massacred over a Million Serbs during WWII at the Jasenovac concentration camp? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasenovac_concentration_camp). A concentration camp so bad that even the Nazis were disgusted by the methods used to exterminate Serbs, Jews and Roma.

So you tell me, CroatianSpaceStation, how did the Croatian people manage to go "back to their lives", "pretending it never happened"?

Judging by how they managed to destroy Yugoslavia, I imagine the Croatian people never really managed to move on, as their work was still not done. Work that you still carry on dutifully, trying in what pathetic way you can to contribute by posting shockingly gratuitous and flowery descriptors of Serbian "atrocities". In fact, so laden with hyperbole was your comment that for a second I wondered whether I had stumbled upon a bad imitation of a Dan Brown novel.

As for a Croatian capitalising for his own gains on the media-driven perception of a war that had nothing to do with Croatians, I won't even bother responding for fear of afronting the intelligence of fellow forum dwellers (except perhaps @Punxatawny Phil whos intelligence lacks a front, nor indeed any form or shape at all)

As for the film at hand, and for those interested in actual debate of the film's "artistic merit", I would like to say that in my view, this movie is absolutely 100% NOT about the wars, but rather about the period AFTER the wars, right up until now. For Serbian films that deal directly with the wars, I would strongly suggest watching Kusturica's "Underground", and Dragojevic's "Pretty Village, Pretty Flame" amongst plenty others.

"A Serbian Film" is to my mind the only film that treats the West's treatment of Serbian society in the post-war period. As I see it, the film is a direct allegory for how the West has literally made Serbia, as a country, commit the acts that the porn star has to commit to meet the requirements of the director in the film.

As such, the movie makes for easier watching, with the political context providing a much needed point of sanity that I find worryingly absent from most American "torture-porn" flicks. In addition, the actors in the movie are of a premium quality in Serbian films, which initally sparked my interest. They would not have felt the need to just create a "lets make SAW look like a paper-cut" type film, of this I am sure.

Still, the film maintains for grim viewing, EVEN for a "barbaric" Serbian.

Posted by: Mika at January 24, 2011 6:52 AM

I can't imagine I have ever seen some sort of website with this numerous responses on it!

In my 37 years, I have experienced a lot of media live or otherwise. My mother raised me in a very artsy home and at the tender age of 12, I sat through "Pink Flamingos," singing asshole and all. But hey! It's art! I have seen Annie Spinkle shoot girly nut right before my very eyes in a gallery. I dodged GG Allin's heroin-soaked diarrhea after he shit in a snowblower only to have 20 of Chicago's Finest beat the rest of the shit out of him on stage. I went to art school and received my MfA. I know Jim Van Bebber. I have seen them all: "Irreversible," "Nekromantik," "der Todesking,"Human Centipede," and yes, I have even seen attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion.
But baby rape??? Nope. I really don't care how deep a statement this movie makes, and yes, my friend Dave (RIP) lived in Serbia for some time during the 90's and it was a terrible period in that nation's history for some amazingly strong people. But right now, I have 99 problems and getting this out of my head just isn't going to be one of them. Prisco, thank you very much for the warning. Ten years ago I would not have heeded it, but as they say in all the cop movies: "I'm getting too old for this shit."

Posted by: Mark at January 28, 2011 5:46 AM

"Newborn porn Newborn Porn Newborn Porn" great review, I think I'll pass on the movie though

Posted by: Joey at February 5, 2011 3:53 PM

this film is a metaphor for the balkan wars in the 90's. so if you don't know about the conflict, i suggest you brush up on some history. then just maybe this you'll understand this film the way it twas meant to be understood.

Posted by: pjevacj at February 14, 2011 7:01 AM

This write-up contains dialogue from the movie so may be considered a spoiler .

I am tempted to interject my own opinions but who cares what I think anyway . I have the movie as a 5/10 but that is just a neutral number . My real score might be a 0 or it might be a 10 ; I am not going to tell you what it is . I am not going to comment on whether the movie is good or bad , whether it is appropriate viewing or not .

I am going to outline for you what the movie is about but be warned that the movie
is making some very specific political statements and many of those statements
would not be received so well by a western audience . And I am not saying that I agree with any of them ; I am just going to tell you what they are . Spasojevic himself would never spell this out for reasons that will soon become obvious .

Most of the dialogue in the movie is making reference to current issues being
discussed in Serbia . In order to understand those references , you have to pay
very close attention to the dialogue and have a good understanding of the
political and socio-economic situation in Serbia .

As you may know the current government in Serbia is pro-western and was
installed about 10 years ago . Currently in Serbia there is great discontent
with this government but neither have they seen other alternatives so every
election is pretty much deadlocked with many parties joining each other
in order to get enough votes .

Let's start with the contract at the beginning of the film .
Milos says "but i don't know what I am signing" .
Vukmir says "You are not supposed to know. If you know you will not be so good."

The contract represents the deal made with the western powers , at that time 10 years ago ,
in exchange for promises of a better life , a better standard of living .

When Vukmir says "You are not supposed to know. If you know you will not be so good." the
meaning is "if you knew , you would not be obedient to your western masters."

Here Vukmir represents the western powers , the EU , the USA , the architects , the "Directors" ,
of the conflict in the former yugoslavia with the goal of economic exploitation of the region.
This is not a viewpoint exclusive to Spasojevic .See for example the documentary
"Weight of Chains."
Milos represents the Serbian government .

Vukmir : "There is a serious script . We know it , you don't" .
i.e. the west's actions are not just an accident but a carefully planned script .

"Only filmed here , but for the foreign market." is referencing that the Serbs are economic slaves
of the western powers . For example , Serbian industry and assets are being sold off to
foreign investors and corporations , in essence making Serbs employees of foreign
corporations . More about this can be read here : http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=15849

Vukmir says "you could always make your d*** stand up like a c*** at dawn" . This is making
fun of all the sucking up to the west that the Serbian government is doing .

Laylah says to Milos , "The problem with that pension is that it's not lifelong. How much do
you have stashed?" . This is referring to mundane issues about low pensions and how the
privileged have good pensions .

The white rabbit : this is just saying that the promises made to the Serbian government by the west is a fantasy , a fake .
When the guy puts the rabbit to his crotch , the director is telling you what he thinks of those
promises .

The thing about how Milos looks Swedish : This is trying to say that the Serbian government is
"not one of us , they are foreigners , in cohoots with foreign governments"

Vukmir says "Right hand is the sex center in any man . It's a direct line between your brain
and c*** ." If you know the difference between Rightist and Leftist politics , you will see that
this is a sarcastic jab against the Right .

Vukmir says : "Do you know what is proof that there is art in pornography? You , Milos . Your
sense of handling a woman , your rhythm , of exhausting her , your talent to humiliate her ,
and then , when she is reduced to dog-s*** , to win her back ."

More biting sarcasm . This is saying you exhausted NATO , humiliated NATO ( shot down stealth ,
minimal damage to Serbian equipment etc. ) but later you just let her back in .

Milos says "I dunno , I'm a little tired of cameras and f******." This one is obviously
about the civil wars . Cameras are referring to the world news cameras .

Vukmir : "You're also tired of h****** scum any time your family needs dough. Kissing some
wretched c**** with the same lips you' kiss your kid "
This one is about the Serbian government asking for monetary assistance from
the foreign governments ( the scum ) . What kind of h****** ? Western politician says to serbian politician , "Here is some money under the table . Now you arrange to sell us this company for cheap."

You should be able to see now that pornography here is a metaphor for the relationship between the Serbian government and the western governments .

Milos to his wife : "No , he's some kind of artist with a grand plan ... seems like he
desperately needs me since he's willing to offer such cash ." Sarcasm about how
the western governments are waving the carrot in front of the Serbian government .

Marko : "It's not a d*** , it's a police stick ...
why isn't he ... limp , like all the normal people." Spasojevic considers
the current government a fascist police state .

Vukmir : "Transmitted live to the world who has lost all that and now is paying to watch
that from the comfort of an armchair ... Victim sells. " Referring to world media manipulation of the wars .

Vukmir's rants . "This whole country is a bunch of kids discarded by their parents ."
The people have been abandoned by their government ( hence the orphanage setting ) ; the government is busy looking after their own privileges and wheeling and dealings . One frequent complaint you will hear in Serbia is that there is no law .

That's what I have for now ... i am currently working on other portions of the film and I will try to get back here another time .

Posted by: namehere at February 19, 2011 6:57 PM

I just watched this film tonight. I couldn't make it to the end. I made it past the newborn porn. But I couldn't make it to the end.

I feel sick and I know I'm going to have horrible, horrible dreams tonight. I'm watching "Despicable Me" now, to try and kill the images I've seen, and the adorable little girls just make me all that much more sick and full of hate. I hate the little girls in Despicable Me now. I hate their sweet giggles. I hate this god awful movie. I don't know how to fix my destroyed, ruined psyche.

Do ... NOT ... watch this movie. :(

Posted by: Fred Reese at March 5, 2011 1:41 AM

I saw this movie last night to see what all the hype was about because I couldn't believe there'd be such a fuss for a movie. But oh gosh, I wish I had heeded the warnings! This movie is, in my opinion, disgusting, however it was artistic, but over all, A Serbian Film was VERY controversial.
I think seeing it just once was enough, I managed to make it to the very end, which is quite interesting considering I'm only 15 years old.

Honestly, the movie is very, to put blantantly, plain. It does have a lot of symbolism, and this film was a huge risk that the director decided to take. He shouldn't have. This film needed more time to allow people to adjust to Serbia's government, however it seemed all the producers wanted was money. If you want to see this movie, go ahead, you'll probably not be able to stop thinking about it though. I hope this movie won't be the start of a real "newborn porn", because this movie seems to glorify rape and incest in many ways. If I had to rate it for artistic lighting and such, 7/10, acting 9/10, the movie in general, with bias: 2/10, without bias 10/10.

If you can take this film serious enough and brush up on your history lessons and have a strong stomach and bladder, see the movie!

Posted by: StupidTeen at March 5, 2011 11:33 AM

Omg just watched this movie about n hour ago....I will never b the same again... fml.

Posted by: holyshit at March 6, 2011 1:36 AM

As a hardened veteran of all things horror and macabre, I honestly went into this movie thinking it'd be enjoyable like The Devil's Rejects.

I didn't finish the movie. I honestly can't believe it. it's the first film I've ever stopped in my whole life because it disturbed me. I wish I could erase the sound the baby, I think that's what got me. The baby screaming. For the love of god, don't watch that fucking movie.

Posted by: Chelsey at March 6, 2011 2:17 PM

I wasn't necessarily phased by this movie.
Being a 17 year old girl you'd think the exact opposite, yes?
I sat through the entire movie, wanting to cry at certain points yet not a single tear was shed.
I appreciate the beauty behind the metaphors of necrophilia and rape, Milos was one hell of a man even without the borderline mind controlling drugs.
In my opinion, this whole movie symbolizes what extreme lengths people have to do to stay afloat in the modern world; to keep their families safe and out of harm. Milo was simply used for his incredible gift, and Vukmir was a man mad with passion for his incredibly revolting art form.

Posted by: Rose at March 7, 2011 6:11 AM

My friend had told me about this film and had shown me a preview of it. Yesterday, I remembered it and showed the preview to another friend, with whom I had seen Salo, Martyres, etc. We said, absolutely, we're wathcing this, and downloaded the uncut screeners copy. The preview did not seem even half as bad. We did not read the Wikipedia entry in advance, a regrettable mistake. Oh well, too late for that now.

Seriously, having seen Salo, Martyres, and some other films that left me pretty shaken, none of those compares to this movie. My mother said she walked out of Salo during the final speculum/spectation/torture scene. If that is you, do not see this film. Seriously, A Serbian Film makes Salo seem like Aladdin and Martyres seem like The Little Mermaid.

That being said, the movie was brilliant. I vehemently disagree with what some of the reviewers have said who try, sadly, to censor the substance and politics that are behind the film, rather than the imagery and the plot used to capture those emotions (or complete lack thereof). It is wrong to do that. Call the film a perverse monstrosity for its scenes and what it depicts, but do not insult the intelligence, creativity, or sensitivity of the man who wrote and directed it. He pulled it off magnificently. It was like a glimpse into the mind of the fallen angel frozen at the bottom of Dante's Inferno.

And as numerous others have said, I will probably never see it again. Nor will I tell people who like seeing this type of movie about it. It's a Pandora's Box that does not need to be opened.

Posted by: Kyle at March 17, 2011 1:16 AM

I've been reading through the comments about how "brilliant" this movie is. And before I go and rant about how "gross" this movie is allow me to be one to clarify that this is not a "brilliant" movie by any stretch of the imagination.

The dialogue in this movie is tripe, something that sounds written by a 7th grade high schooler whose parents visit the whiskey cabinet too often.

The plot is broken and riddled with plot holes. I'd like to compare it to the book Crooked little vein, but really that was a fantastic book where this is a movie about an 80s porn star who should be painted as a dark hero. Though to be fair Milo is about as smart as your modern day brick headed buffoon.

The relationship of the family is so underdeveloped and contrived bullshit that I had to scratch my head and wonder why anyone stuck around with anyone else. A family that is struggling with money, and yet, can afford singing lessons and going to costume parties and go to lunch and have wine at fancy out door restaurants?

Especially Milo, who gets into this trouble because he accepts a blank contract that he will star in a porno that doesn't explain who it is, what he'll be doing or have any legal balance to it. (By the way, the contract he signs in the movie is actually part of the script, no legal contract looks like that)

It's not until you're an hour in that you actually get to the point that makes you turn off the movie but it's far before that, that I "wanted" to turn off the movie. It's boring, and above all the artistic bullshit this movie tries to push is horseshit.

Now of course, the point every artistic hipster bullshitting piss eater who wants to argue the brilliance of this movie is to say that it leaves you asking "Why am I watching this". The challenge of watching this movie is that you should admit that deep in your soul you want to see what's happening like a train wreck that you can't look away from.

Well to that credit that is the one reason I wanted to watch it. I wanted to see what all the damn fuss was about and yes it was pretty damn disgusting but it was also stupid, confusing, and I've seen disturbing done much better.

But I feel that if the point that's disgusting is pointed out then it shouldn't matter because it should still be a great movie. That's why this movie is shit! If you go around and tell everyone the gross scene is where the driver is fucking a new born baby then no one would want to see it. And if you watched the movie without that scene you would have to admit that there is absolutely nothing appealing about the movie. It's just stupid. Not brilliantly disturbing or grossly philosophical. An 8th grader on meth could understand the world better then these fucktards.

But what makes me upset about the movie is the picture it's painting about the porn industry. The porn industry is a very professional setting despite what the videos online would depict. You don't just hop around fucking left and right and live like a rock star. And it's only the very rare fucktwat that actually use porn with kidnapped orphans.

It's demonizing an industry that is doing what they know people want, giving us bouncing boobies. Pornography isn't artistic, it's for shits and giggles. Sure nudity can be artistic but it's not nudity on its own merit that's artistic it's what you place around the nudity that makes it artistic. Same with shock value, torture porn and gore. It's only artistic when there's intelligent context. And this...this is anything but intelligent. I've seen better plots come from the Power Rangers...

So there it is. Do you want to watch it? Well do yourself a favor and illegally download it, cause if these guys get any money for this I will only sigh and move on with my life till the next better thing comes along.

Posted by: Drummy at March 21, 2011 2:19 AM

I read this review and frankly, I honestly want to see this movie. Not because I'm in to all the above mentioned atrocities, but because I like to push my own personal boundries and limits. That is what art and film should really be about. Expresion in it's true and purest form. If it doesn't move you in some way or another, it isn't art. Talking about how disgusting, gross, or depraved the images are, is a waste of time. The truth is, no matter how vile or disgusting any of the above mentioned acts may be, it is all a part of human nature. Like it or not. One doesn't have to condone violence, necrophilia, pedophilia, etc., to understand that it exists in day to day life. If these images provoke thought and emotion in the viewer, then the film has done it's job. Even if that means the viewer has to stop watching the film and absolutely hates it. It still has provoked a reaction, thought and emotion. You don't have to like a work of art for it to be art. In fact, this film has seemed to provoke some pretty strong reactions in these comments. Even from those of us who haven't seen it yet. Also I just have to add, if I read the words torture porn one more time my head is going to fucking explode.